Now that you understand what credit is and how to improve your credit score, make sure you create financially smart habits by requesting your free credit report annually. Keep track of your score and review it for inaccuracies with these tips.

Review Your Credit Report
Over 13 million people a year find inaccuracies on their credit reports — payments mistakenly labeled as late, accounts that should have been closed, other people’s debt information and more. Report mistakes right away, as errors could lower your credit score and cost you money.

You are responsible for ensuring your report is correct. If you find an issue:

Check the last page of your report for instructions for claim disputes.

Contact the credit bureau and report the error immediately.

Put it in writing — if the issue remains unresolved, provide a letter of explanation and request that it become part of your report.

Credit Bureau Contact Information
Check your credit report for accuracy for free through the three major credit bureaus by accessing your report at www.annualcreditreport.com or by contacting the bureaus directly: